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Future Fund launches for IT innovation

Councils can apply for funding, consultancy time, services and technology to drive positive change in their communities through IT, as the O2 Future Fund launches today.

Part of O2’s Local Government Future Forum, the fund is comprised of three grants of up to £125,000, £75,000 and £30,000. IT teams within local authorities can apply to develop ideas and services based on three themes; reducing cost and improving efficiencies, new ways of engaging citizens and empowering the community to do more for itself.

Applications will be judged by a panel consisting of experts from O2 and independent parties. Councils will have eight weeks to develop and deliver their ideas, before selection takes place later this year.

Ben Dowd, director of business at O2 commented: “O2 believes that the right application of technology has the potential to drive real change and our findings through our work with local government ICT departments support this belief.

“What is different is that the O2 Future Fund will give a glimpse of what is possible with a bit of imagination and we will support the winning bids by providing investment in their IT infrastructure coupled with resource and expertise.

“So it is up to the councils to determine how it can be applied to their own council, citizens or community, ultimately giving local government the ability to really shape their own destiny in a project they are passionate about.”

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